Indonesia

http://www.the-top-tens.com/items/indonesia-181432.asp

Share on google Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on email Share on print Share on reddit Comments Newest Most Popular +3I think Indonesia is the best, not only 7107 islands like the Philippines, Indonesia have more than 17000.. Which have a good beach like lombok, bali, yogyakarta, and much more... Great culture, if you go to bali, mollucas island, yogyakarta, solo, etc.. I think this country is incredible! I swear... +3if you wanna see heaven, come to indonesia. If you wanna see hell, come to indonesia too. both of them there in indonesia. indonesia is very interesting place, many tourist come there... +2He biggest island country. The most diversity in ethnics groups. The most diversity in foods The most diversity in flora and fauna The only republic country in the world which has several kingdoms in it The only country in the world with most active volcano The country where the original BATIK comes from The country where the original GAMELAN comes from The country where the original TARI PENDET comes from The country where the original RASA SAYANGE comes from A MUST VISIT country before you die! +1The largest economy in South East Asia, and therefore the most prominent. The culture, its wonder, its cuisine... Who can resist? I mean, everyone is longing to visit Bali, Lombok, Sumatra, etc. Indonesia is not the rich country, but INDONESIA is the richest country that has so much cultures in SE Asia, even in the world!. Indonesia has many beautiful parts that each of them has its own feature, such as Bali, it is a heaven, Bali has so many beautiful beaches. Komodo Island, it's the ONLY one place that has so big population of Komodo Dragons. Sumatra, it has a popular flower which is called Raflesia. Kalimantan (Borneo) has Orang Utan, that ONLY place has it. Pontianak (west borneo) is passed by equator line. Yogyakarta, you can find Candi Borobudur (temple) there, candi Prambanan Lombok, Jakarta, Solo, Bandung, papua, and many more.. There are a lot.. I can't explain 1 by 1. Indonesia is the largest SEA country theres lots and lots of things to see from this country. Indonesian foods are amazingly good. Great place for tourism.. lots of beautiful nature! pulau seribu(thousand island) is amazingly beautiful. Lombok island is another one! Bali have a very unique ethnic(you can never get enough of BALI) Surabaya is where you can find amazing foods. Visit Jakarta if you like mall and shopping! great country to visit! don't know why people put it as a number 4?! I think indonesia is truly atlantis I think indonesia can be developed country because people in indonesia is the 4th biggest people numbers in the world, indonesia is the biggest archipelago countries in the world... And indonesia have many cultures and religions that ultimate in diversity go south east asia! Together we can ^^ Indonesia the home of the 17000 island. Have an amazing culture in this country. They have everything from nature like Bali, lombok, Borneo forests and even good metropolitan area like Jakarta and Surabaya. You all must see the raja ampat in new guinea is exotic in there Indonesia has everything! Everything from good to bad.. We have more than 17000 islands which is more than Philippines! We have nice beaches, culture, nature, foods, etc! We have 700 languages, 300 ethnic groups, and more! Best country in SEA! Visit Indonesia~ Indonesia is a very interesting place! Indonesia have a great culture, friendly people, heaven-like view, and the foods are great! Don't forget, the price of things here is reasonable! Indonesia is unique country. Everything can you find in here, delicious food? friendly people? nice place? unique culture? you cand find! I TELL YOU THE TRUTH! THE FIRST TIME I VISITED INDONESIA AND I DIDN'T WANNA GO BACK TO MY COUNTRY! WHOO... INDONESIA IS REALLY AMAZING! great country with lots of different culture

Impressions of Gay Life in Muslim Countries

http://taatamata.wordpress.com/2009/11/24/impressions-of-gay-life-in-muslim-countries/

November 24, 2009 Filed under: Uncategorized — taatamata @ 7:03 am Tags: Gay Publication Gay identity is denied in most Muslim countries. That there are men and women within those areas who primarily love people of their own gender is a biological certainty. But most of them would not label themselves ‘gay’ or ‘lesbian’, they would see the attraction as just one small aspect of themselves that they try to fit into their lives while adhering to what is expected of them by friends and especially family. Family is very important, both caring for the current generation as well as raising the next one. Getting married before you are thirty and having children is the only accepted way to live in many places. Not doing so could lead to loss of honor for you and your family. This means that most gay love and lust takes place behind closed doors and isn’t acknowledged even while everybody around knows that it happens. As long as there are no witnesses and it isn’t talked about, everybody can pretend that no social mores are being broken. Considering that gay sex is officially frowned upon and even punishable by death in many Muslim countries, the casual intimacy between men is one that will surprise many tourists. Much more than in Western countries, men are likely to be seen touching each other in a physically intimate way or even walking around the city hand in hand. The ‘Western’ gay identity threatens this way of interacting with each other by making it look suspect and threatens the entire family-oriented society. It introduces new options and choices that could upset the basis on which the society is built. Gay Muslims may start to question things and realise that the way their heart is pulling them does not have to point towards certain doom, but could lead them to a happy, if alternative, family life. Gay Travels in the Muslim World is a series of autobiographical short stories, edited by Michael Luongo. It gives an impression of the Muslim world as described above. The majority of them deal with contrasts and conflicts between Western culture and Muslim culture, from various perspectives. Most of the stories were written by Western visitors, one or two by people within the culture. The style, tone and attitudes of the writers vary, and while some of the tales are likely to annoy you, you will find a couple that are touching and interesting. I liked the story of an American who starts a long-distance romance with a Turkish man, only to find out he is married and has children. Rather than break up with his long-term lover, the Turkish man integrates him as an ‘uncle’ into his family, where he is lovingly accepted. Not all the stories are sweet though; in several of them, local men desperate for money and tourists desperate for sex with locals meet each other on a sharp and uncomfortable knife’s edge between two cultures, using each other for selfish purposes. All in all it is an interesting collection, well worth a read for anybody interested in this different perspective on gay identity. And if you want to take a more academic look at the topic, you may also want to pick up Unspeakable Love – Gay and Lesbian Life in the Middle East Family is very important, both caring for the current generation as well as raising the next one. Getting married before you are thirty and having children is the only accepted way to live in many places. Not doing so could lead to loss of honor for you and your family. This means that most gay love and lust takes place behind closed doors and isn’t acknowledged even while everybody around knows that it happens. As long as there are no witnesses and it isn’t talked about, everybody can pretend that no social mores are being broken. Considering that gay sex is officially frowned upon and even punishable by death in many Muslim countries, the casual intimacy between men is one that will surprise many tourists. Much more than in Western countries, men are likely to be seen touching each other in a physically intimate way or even walking around the city hand in hand. The ‘Western’ gay identity threatens this way of interacting with each other by making it look suspect and threatens the entire family-oriented society. It introduces new options and choices that could upset the basis on which the society is built. Gay Muslims may start to question things and realise that the way their heart is pulling them does not have to point towards certain doom, but could lead them to a happy, if alternative, family life.

Imam Marries Muslim Homosexual Couple

Forbidden Amour:

Published April 2nd, 2012 - 11:17 GMT Islam and homosexuality - an uneasy union. Islam and homosexuality - an uneasy union. Enlarge Image RELATED ARTICLES * Behja Traversac’s new book “Rebellion lovers” * Chirac Commends ‘Spirit of Responsibilty’ of French Muslims * Mali hosts contemporary arts exhibition While launching his book in Paris, Ludovic Mohamed Zahed spoke to France 24 about his marriage to another Muslim man. Ludovic recalled his trials and tribulations, including the problems he faced with his family and the Arab community. It’s a love story like no other, daring to confront many taboos: homosexuality, AIDS, Islam. This male love affair that provoked the international Muslim world was born in South Africa, and blossomed in the suburbs of Paris. Two Muslim men, Ludovic Mohamed Zahed and his partner Qiyam Al Din, married according to Islamic Sharia in the presence of a Mauritian Imam named Jamal who blessed their matrimony. Ludovic is a Frenchman with Algerian origins, and Qiyam is a South African Muslim. The two met in 2011 in South Africa during a convention on AIDS, while their Muslim brothers were revolting against their oppressive Arab regimes. Since then, the two have been inseparable. Ludovic fondly recounted the moment he first met his husband Qiyam Al Din, “I was in the lecture hall when an Imam who incidentally is a homosexual himself, introduced me to Qiyam Al Din. We discovered we had a lot in common and a mutual admiration was cemented. I stayed on after the convention for two months, deciding to get married, since South African laws were more same sex couple-friendly. South Africa allows same sex marriage, and allows same sex couples to adopt." After the wedding that was organized by Qiyam’s family, the couple decided to return to France and settle down in a Parisian suburb, hoping that the French government would recognize the legality of the marriage. France, not always the friendliest of states to Islam, did not cooperate. The authorities refused to register their marriage, leaving Ludovic for now counting on a win for his chosen social party’s presidential candidate on May 6th, to rectify the situation. Ludovic did, nonetheless, receive the blessings of his family, who reside in Marseille. He admitted that he faces more obstacles with French law than Muslim opprobrium. Pending legal settlement, Ludovic decided to make his wedding a family affair, with his trusted Mauritian Imam in tow. He read the Fatiha and blessed the marriage. The ceremony, held on the 12th of February 2012, in a modest house in Servon on the ouskirts of Paris, was attended by Ludovic’s parents and select close friends. I still receive threats through calls on the internet The beauty of his wedding could not block out the torrents of hate mail and animosity from the conservative Muslim community. According to Ludovic, the wedding was intimate and beautiful, with music, dancing and singing. “Being married in front of my family, was like a new start of life for me, I could have never imagined such a day would come, seeing the joy in my parents’ eyes after they had battled with my sexuality and tried with all their might to change the course of my sexual orientation.” Ludovic elaborated, “Unfortunately I cannot change myself. I have felt that I was a homosexual since I was young. I liked, even loved, the Imam who taught me the Quran in Algeria back in 1995, despite all the threats from my family and the social pressure from Arab society whether in France or in Algeria, I have not changed”. Even sickness couldn't tear them apart Ludovic has faced his own set of tragic circumstances. He contracted AIDS at the tender age of 19. What made matters worse was his strained relationship with his family because of his sexual orientation. Ludovic says, “My family was very harsh with me at the beginning, I was beaten by my older brother, who could not tolerate that I was gay, he disowned me and refused to talk to me for several years. As for my mother, she would cry every day from despair and shame.” Ludovic found his salvation in faith. “I turned to worship and prayer to resist the situation, I became religious, and I performed Omarah then Hajj twice, seeking a simpler, normal life. Despite the threats that I get by phone or from the internet, as well as, my struggle with the negative views that I get from Arabs and Muslims alike, today I feel more comfortable in my own skin," said Ludovic. As for his future, Ludovic says that the absolute priority is to get a legal permit for his new spouse, Qiyam Al Din, to stay and work in France. Ludovic himself wants to pursue his doctoral studies in Islam and Homosexuality. He is already a published author of two books, the first about AIDS, and the second is about the Holy Quran and sex. He also heads an organization that researches issues relating to Islam and homosexuality. Against all odds: together The newly-wed couple does not intend to travel to any Arab or Muslim country in fear of being tortured or mistreated. “We want to stay in France, because my husband Qiyam Al Din really likes this country. However, if it becomes impossible for him to stay, we will return to South Africa to live,” said Ludovic. Have your say: Does this happy couple deserve the well-wishes we bestow to any other Muslim couple upon their nuptial celebrations? Can Islam abide homosexual unions? Is there room for gay rights in the Islamic faith? http://www.albawaba.com/behind-news/imam-gay-marriage-france-419446

Homosexuality

Category:

The Kurd, an oppressor of Kurdistan Posted on April 6, 2012 by Naila Bozo Photo by Bezav Mahmod I once met Kurdistan. He said to me: I am denied my existence and my identity by heartless oppressors. I am treated as trash by indoctrinated adherents. I am mocked, molested and murdered by those who … Posted in Activism, Awareness, Civil Rights, Freedom of Speech, Homosexuality, Kurdistan, Kurds | Tagged gay rights, Kurd, LGBT, LGBT rights | 1 Comment Divine Obfuscation: The “Non-Political” Myth Posted on November 6, 2011 by The Queer Shadow Gallery Collective Mideast Youth is one of many prominent organizations endorsing a statement recently released by the group Pinkwatching Israel that addresses a trip to Palestine/Israel organized under the banner of interfaith dialog and LGBT solidarity. The three organizations involved in the … Posted in Homosexuality, Israel | Tagged gay rights, Interfaith, Palestine, queer | 1 Comment Psychology, Field Study – Psychology of Criminals in Jail Posted on September 17, 2011 by Maikel Nabil Sanad (Egypt) Psychology, Field Study Psychology of Criminals in Jail May 2011 I think I started reading psychology in the year 2000 when I was about 15 years old. Psychology helped me a lot in understanding motives and ways of thinking of … Posted in Atheism, Civil Rights, Egypt, Ethics, Gender, Homosexuality, Sex, Sexism, Society, Taboos | Tagged Egypt, field study, Maikel Nabil, Political Prisoners, prison | Leave a comment On LGBT Rights in Tunisia Posted on July 1, 2011 by Bedlam Beggar (Tunisia) Tunisian penal code 230 criminalizes homosexual activity with up to three years of imprisonment even if the actual implementation of this law is a very remote possibility. In a famous case in 1993, Tunisian appeal court did not grant a … Posted in Civil Rights, General, Homosexuality, Human Rights, Sex, Tunisia, Youth | 7 Comments Whose Gay Middle East(.com)? Posted on June 17, 2011 by Kaw Pinkwash “It’s raining pink today; Israel must be washing its laundry,” I remarked to a friend after reading the below tweet from Scott Piro, an Israeli-American publicist, and self-proclaimed “social media denizen”. Most importantly, Piro is the publicist for Tel … Posted in Homosexuality, Israel | 19 Comments Podcast: Homesick Iranian family shares future hopes Posted on June 1, 2011 by Ahmed Zidan (Egypt) On 1st April 1979, Iran voted by national referendum to become an Islamic Republic, and to approve a new theocratic constitution, whereby Khomeini became Supreme Leader of the country in December 1979. The great Persian civilization has suspended. Hundred thousands … Posted in Gender, Homosexuality, Human Rights, Iran, Kurdistan, Kurds, Podcasts, Sex | Leave a comment Double standards on homophobia Posted on May 24, 2011 by Esra'a (Bahrain) This is a comic that highlights the double standards of homophobia amongst religious scholars. Posted in Assholes, Comics, Homosexuality, Satire, Society, Taboos | 2 Comments A Queen Boat Survivor Tells His Story Posted on May 16, 2011 by Assem Al Tawdi A personal account of a man’s experience of the Queen Boat police raid on the early morning of May 11, 2001, Cairo, Egypt: I had a rough day and I really felt like going out. I called up a friend … Posted in Awareness, Civil Rights, Egypt, Homosexuality, Society, Taboos | 2 Comments Lebanon: Speaking Loud Against Homophobia Posted on May 16, 2011 by Gaytheist (Lebanon) The International Day Against Homophobia is a yearly occasion to remind the world that the fight for gay rights is not over yet. Discrimination still exists; Homosexuals fired from work, rejected by family or beaten to death are just a … Posted in Activism, Homosexuality, Human Rights, Lebanon, Taboos | Tagged homophobia | Leave a comment Ahwaa.org: An interactive bilingual platform to debate LGBTQ issues in the Middle East Posted on April 16, 2011 by Esra'a (Bahrain) Today we make the official launch of our latest project, Ahwaa.org. Ahwaa.org is a bilingual tool for LGBTQ youth in the Middle East that leverages game mechanics to facilitate authentic, high-quality interactions. To learn more about its mission and some … Posted in Announcements, Awareness, Civil Rights, Gender, Homosexuality, Society, Taboos, Videos, Youth | 6 Comments http://www.mideastyouth.com/category/minorities/homosexuality/

George Nader (1921-2002)

http://www.briansdriveintheater.com/georgenader.html

Updated 6/1/2012 with more DVDs available! Home Beefcake DVDs Available Photos Available Books Available Biography Filmography Gallery biography Born in Pasadena, California, on October 9, 1921, actor George Nader graduated from Occidental College with a B.A. in theater arts before joining the Navy during World War II. Upon returning home after the war, Nader acted in stage plays in southern California. By 1950, he started getting small, uncredited roles in films and also acted in early television. His handsome visage was his ticket to a Universal Studios contract by the mid 1950s, where he made a number of films. However, his first starring role came in the form of the independent 1953 flick Robot Monster, a 3-D feature directed by Phil Tucker. Robot Monster features George Barrows as the monster, wearing a monkey suit with a diving bell. Tucker's opus was produced for $16,000 (fantastically cheap even in 1953) and was shot entirely outdoors in four days in Bronson Canyon, east of Los Angeles. Although heralded as one of the worst films of all time, it was the first science fiction film released with stereophonic sound. During its initial run, Robot Monster made more than $1 million, mostly due to the novelty of the 3-D process. George NaderGeorge NaderGeorge NaderGeorge Nader George Nader was a frequent subject of beefcake photographers in the 1950s. At 6'1" and 180 lbs., Nader stayed in shape by lifting weights and swimming. You'll find more photos like these in the George Nader Gallery From the 1950s through the mid 1960s, Nader made numerous films and television appearances in America. After securing a contract with Universal, he won a 1955 Golden Globe award for "Most Promising Newcomer." However, with the death of the studio system in the late 1950s, Nader's contract with Universal-International lapsed. Afterward, he began doing quite a bit of work in television. In the mid 1960s, with Nader's career ebbing, he went to Germany to star as FBI agent Jerry Cotton in a string on James Bond-themed films. These movies proved highly popular in Europe and revived Nader's acting career. the films of george nader Robot Monster (1953) George Nader, Claudia Barrett, and John MylongGeorge NaderGeorge Nader LEFT: With Claudia Barret and John Mylong. CENTER: Nader is comforted by Claudia Barrett. RIGHT: A bare-chested Nader tries to free Claudia Barrett from the clutches of Ro-man Four Guns to the Border (1954) George Nader and Colleen Miller From the western Four Guns to the Border with Colleen Miller Lady Godiva (1955) George NaderGeorge Nader and Maureen O'HaraRhodes Reason, George Nader and Maureen O'Hara LEFT: Studio still. CENTER: With Maureen O'Hara. RIGHT: With Rhodes Reason and Maureen O'Hara Four Girls in Town (1956) Julie Adams and George NaderJulie Adams and George NaderJulie Adams and George Nader With Julie Adams in Four Girls in Town The Second Greatest Sex (1956) George Nader Universal still from the musical The Second Greatest Sex Congo Crossing (1956) Virginia Mayo and George NaderVirginia Mayo, Peter Lorre, and George Nader LEFT: With Virginia Mayo in the Universal-International adventure Congo Crossing. RIGHT: With Virginia Mayo and Peter Lorre The Female Animal (1957) George NaderGeorge NaderGeorge Nader Jane Powell puts the moves on George Nader in The Female Animal. This feature pits an aging star (Hedy Lamarr in her last film role) against her alcoholic daughter (Jane Powell) for the affections of a movie bit player (Nader). Nader has affairs with both the mother and daughter, and in the end, flees to Mexico to make a bad horror film, just to escape the mess. This film features one of George Nader's strongest performances Flood Tide (1958) George Nader and Cornell Borchers With Cornell Borchers in the Universal-International drama Flood Tide Nowhere to Go (1958) George Nader and Maggie Smith With Maggie Smith in the British-made thriller Nowhere to Go, released by MGM House of a Thousand Dolls (1967) George Nader Nader tries to unravel the mystery of Vincent Price's House of a Thousand Dolls The Million Eyes of Su-Muru (1967) George NaderGeorge Nader and Shirley Eaton With Shirley Eaton in The Million Eyes of Su-Muru Beyond Atlantis (1973) George Nader As Nereus in the low-budget fantasy Beyond Atlantis later years George Nader and Rock HudsonGeorge Nader and Rock Hudson Nader and Rock Hudson have fun on the water in the late 1950s. The two actors met in the early 1950s and were lifelong friends By the late 1950s, with the end of his Universal contract Nader began making a foray into starring roles in television series. During the 1958-1959 season, he starred in ABC's Ellery Queen but left the show when production shifted to New York from Los Angeles (he was replaced but the show quickly left the air). He was also in the short-lived syndicated series Shannon in 1961-62. With his career in decline, Nader went to Europe in the mid 1960s and made a string of popular films. Mystery Science Theater 3000 fans will no doubt remember The Human Duplicators with Hugh Beaumont, Barbara Nichols, and Richard Kiel. George Nader George Nader in 1978, upon the publication of Chrome In the mid 1970s, a serious automobile accident left George Nader with an eye injury that permanently sidelined his acting career; he could no longer tolerate the bright lights required in film production. Nader then focused his efforts on writing science fiction, at which he was successful. His best-known work is the gay-themed groundbreaking science fiction novel Chrome (1978). After Nader's retirement, he divided his time between Palm Springs and Hawaii, spending time with his longtime partner, Mark Miller. Nader and Miller became a couple in 1947, after meeting while acting in a play together. With Nader's star rising, Miller supported the couple by working odd jobs and eventually became Rock Hudson's personal secretary, a position he maintained from 1972 until Hudson's death in 1985. Following Hudson's death and the protracted probate of his will, Nader and Miller inherited Hudson's remaining estate in the early 1990s. Sadly, George Nader passed away on February 4, 2002, at the age of 80 and was survived by Mark Miller. george nader films available from movies unlimited Find your movie at MoviesUnlimited.com. TELEVISION The Loretta Young Show: Season 1 [DVD](1953) DVD Thirty episodes from the series's debut season--including "Trial Run," "The Bronte Story," "Thanksgiving at Beaver Run," "The Clara Schumann Story," and "Forest Ranger"--are featured in a three-disc set. 13 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; featurettes; biography; bonus footage; trailers. **30 episodes on 3 discs. 13 hrs.** FILM Robot Monster (Monster From Mars) [DVD](1953) DVD Ro-Man, the title character, is the most ludicrous monster in cinema history: a gorilla wearing a space helmet! His invasion fleet has conquered Earth, but one feisty family holds out for survival. You won't want to miss the alien equipment that blows bubbles and the score by future Oscar-winner Elmer Bernstein. With George Nader, Claudia Barrett and George Barrows as Ro-Man. Not in 3-D. 62 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; theatrical trailer. Carnival Story [DVD](1954) DVD An American carnival on tour in Europe is the setting for this high-flying drama starring Anne Baxter as a German pickpocket who joins the show and is soon fought over by two workers. With Steve Cochran, Lyle Bettger. 95 min. Sins Of Jezebel [DVD](1953) DVD Paulette Goddard stars as the Old Testament's most infamous woman in this costume drama. Lusting for power, Phoenician princess Jezebel seduces and weds Ahab, the king of Israel, but her idolatry and sexual dalliances lead to her downfall. With Eduard Franz, George Nader, and Joe Besser as Yonkel the chariot man. 74 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English. Movie Bad Girls, Vol. 1 [DVD] DVD Paulette Goddard stars as the Old Testament's most infamous woman in "Sins of Jezebel" (1953). Lusting for power, Phoenician princess Jezebel seduces and weds Ahab, the king of Israel, but her idolatry and sexual dalliances lead to her downfall. With Eduard Franz, George Nader, and Joe Besser as Yonkel the chariot man. Next, a courageous woman organizes a jungle expedition to rescue her fiance from the clutches of a savage female-ruled tribe, in the campy, role-reversing adventure "Queen of the Amazons" 1947). Patricia Morison, Robert Lowery and Amira Moustafa star. 128 min. total. Widescreen/Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; biographies; trivia; theatrical trailers; more. Manhattan Night Of Murder [DVD](1961) DVD The heat is on the "100 Dollar Boys" when they are accused of killing an Italian restaurant owner they've tried to get protection money from. An FBI agent discovers a young boy who witnessed the murder and tries to get to the true killer. George Nader, Monika Grimm star. Soundtrack: English (dubbed). The Trap Shuts At Midnight (Um Null Uhr Schnappt Die Falle Zu) [DVD](1966) DVD Third entry in Germany's Jerry Cotton film series has the fearless agent investigating the disappearance of a shipment of nitroglycerine. Using all of the FBI's resources, he attempts to track down the explosive material before a cabal of underworld agents can get their hands on it and make New York City go boom. George Nader, Heinz Weiss, Horst Frank star. Soundtrack: English (dubbed). Dubbed in English. The Violin Case Murders [DVD](1965) DVD In the wake of the James Bond films' popularity came this German secret agent adventure featuring George Nader as Jerry Cotton, an investigator attempting to stop a ruthless gang responsible for murders and armed robberies across the country. Neine Weiss and Richard Munch also star. AKA: "Operation Hurricane: Friday Noon." Soundtrack: English (dubbed). Dubbed in English. Tip Not Included [DVD](1966) DVD When a cash-laden truck from the U.S. Mint is hijacked, two-fisted G-man Jerry Cotton (George Nader) is called upon to track down the crooks and recover the money. The tip may not be included, but Jerry gets his fair share of action, intrigue, and women in this German-made caper thriller. With Yvonne Monlaur, Heinz Weiss. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English (dubbed). Dubbed in English. The House Of 1,000 Dolls [DVD](1967) DVD Vincent Price and Martha Hyer play nightclub illusionists in Tangier whose tricks are the dirtiest of all. They use their hypnotic prowess to act as suppliers for a white slavery racket, turning unsuspecting young women into compliant playthings. George Nader, Maria Rohm co-star. 96 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono. Death And Diamonds [DVD](1968) DVD George Nader is FBI agent Jerry Cotton, assigned to smash Operation Glitter, a criminal mastermind's scheme that targets a huge diamond collection. Although Cotton doesn't cotton to the idea, he has to face a deadly gas attack before he can square off against the crooks. Shot-in-Los Angeles Euro-thriller also stars Carl Mohner and Heinz Weiss. AKA: "Dynamite in Green Silk." Soundtrack: English (dubbed). Dubbed in English. Beyond Atlantis [DVD](1973) DVD Explorers Patrick Wayne and John Ashley discover a fortune in pearls and jewels on a remote island, only to later find the lost land of Atlantis, a beautiful princess and bizarre merman monsters. 90 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; biographies. Scream Theater [DVD] DVD Based on the 1932 horror classic "Island of Lost Souls," the Roger Corman-produced shocker "Twilight People" (1972) features a mad scientist whose creations include an ape man, antelope man, bat man, and a tree woman. John Ashley, Pam Grier star. In "Beyond Atlantis" (1973), explorers Patrick Wayne and John Ashley find a fortune in pearls and jewels on a remote island, only to later discover Atlantis, a beautiful princess, and weird mermen monsters. With Leigh Christian, Sid Haig. When a mishap with farm machinery kills his father and mangles his own hand, Matthew has his mitt replaced with a menacing claw which he uses to terrorize anyone foolish enough to get in his way. "Scream Bloody Murder" (1973) stars Fred Holbert, Suzette Hamilton, and Angus Scrimm (billed as Rory Guy). AKA: "The Captive Female," "Claw of Terror," "Matthew." Four-disc set also includes "Beast of the Yellow Night," "The Vampire Happening," "Young Hannah, Queen of the Vampires," "Don't Open the Door," "House of the Living Dead," "Alice, Sweet Alice," "Death Game" (1980), "Night Creature" (1978), and "Sisters of Death. 18 hrs. total. Standard/Widescreen; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo. george nader dvds available from amazon.com george nader books available george nader photos available filmography FILM Nakia (1974) with Robert Forster, Linda Evans, and Stephen McNally Beyond Atlantis (1973) with John Ashley, Patrick Wayne, Sid Haig, and Vic Diaz Deadly Shots on Broadway (1969) Der Tod im roten Jaguar (1968) Death and Diamonds (1968) Radhapura - Endstation der Verdammten (1968) with Gordon Mitchell Deadly Shots on Broadway (1968) The Million Eyes of Su-Muru (1967) with Frankie Avalon and Shirley Eaton House of 1,000 Dolls (1967) with Vincent Price and Martha Hyer Murderers Club of Brooklyn (1967) Die Rechnung - eiskalt serviert (1966) The Trap Shuts at Midnight (1966) with Horst Frank Manhattan Night of Murder (1965) Operation Hurricane: Friday Noon (1965) Countdown Manhattan (1965) The Human Duplicators (1964) with Hugh Beaumont, Barbara Nichols, Richard Kiel, Dolores Faith, and Richard Arlen The Secret Mark of D'Artagnan (1962) with Georges Marchal and Raf Baldassarre Flood Tide (1958) with Joanna Moore Nowhere to Go (1958) with Bernard Lee and Maggie Smith Appointment With a Shadow (1958) with Brian Keith, Virginia Field, and Joanna Moore The Female Animal (1957) with Jane Powell, Jan Sterling, and Hedy Lamarr Joe Butterfly (1957) with Audie Murphy and John Agar Man Afraid (1957) with Phyllis Thaxter and Martin Milner Away All Boats (1956) with Lex Barker, Julie Adams, Jock Mahoney, Jeff Chandler, and Keith Andes The Unguarded Moment (1956) with Esther Williams, John Saxon, and Les Tremayne Four Girls in Town (1956) with Julie Adams, Grant Williams, and John Gavin Congo Crossing (1956) with Virginia Mayo and Peter Lorre Lady Godiva (1956) with Maureen O'Hara and Rhodes Reason The Second Greatest Sex (1956) with Mamie Van Doren, Jeanne Crain, Keith Andes, Kitty Kallen, and Bert Lahr Six Bridges to Cross (1955) with Julie Adams and Tony Curtis Carnival Story (1954) with Steve Cochran and Tor Johnson Four Guns to the Border (1954) with Rory Calhoun and Colleen Miller Miss Robin Crusoe (1954) with Amanda Blake Sins of Jezebel (1954) with Paulette Goddard and Joe Besser Robot Monster (1953) with George Barrows, Claudia Barrett, and Selena Royle Monsoon (1953) with Ellen Corby and Myron Healey Phone Call from a Stranger (1952) with Bette Davis, Gary Merrill, Shelley Winters, Michael Rennie, Craig Stevens, and Hugh Beaumont Overland Telegraph (1951) with , and Tim Holt, Gail Davis, Mari Blanchard, and Hugh Beaumont Take Care of My Little Girl (1951) with Jeffrey Hunter Two Tickets to Broadway (1951) Rustlers on Horseback (1950) with Allan 'Rocky' Lane TELEVISION SERIES Shannon (1961-1962) This was a syndicated TV show produced by Screen Gems which also starred Regis Toomey. Nader was an insurance investigator, and the series revolved around his cases and the number of gadgets connected to his 1961 Buick Special. A total of 36 episodes were produced in the show's year-long run. Man and the Challenge (1959-1960) This half-hour NBC series aired from September 1959 through September 1960. Nader portrayed Dr. Glenn Barton, a scientist exploring the mysteries of the unknown. A total of 36 episodes were produced. The Further Adventures of Ellery Queen (1958-59) This show might have been successful if the production company hadn't moved the show from L.A. to New York. Nader left the show when it went to New York, and his replacement couldn't carry the show. TELEVISION GUEST APPEARANCES The F.B.I., episode A Game of Chess, originally aired November 1972 Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law, episode Warlock at Mach 3, originally aired January 6, 1972 Burke's Law, episode Who Killed the Jackpot?, originally aired April 21, 1965 Alfred Hitchcock Presents, episode Where Beauty Lies, originally aired June 1962 Alfred Hitchcock Presents, episode Self Defense, originally aired May 23, 1961 The Andy Griffith Show, episode The New Doctor, originally aired March 27, 1961 The Loretta Young Show, episode The Choice, originally aired February 26, 1961 Laramie, episode .45 Calibre, originally aired November 15, 1960 Climax!, episode The Stranger Within, originally aired August 22, 1957 Lux Video Theatre, episode One Way Street, originally aired February 21, 1957 Lux Video Theatre, episode The Glass Web, originally aired November 15, 1956 Cavalcade of America, episode The Forge, originally aired October 26, 1954 Lux Video Theatre, episode An Angel Went AWOL, originally aired October 21, 1954 Cavalcade of America, episode Moonlight School, originally aired May 18, 1954 The Loretta Young Show, episode Oh, My Aching Heart, originally aired May 9, 1954 The Loretta Young Show, episode The Enchanted Schoolteacher, originally aired April 25, 1954 The Public Defender, episode The Clown, originally aired April 15, 1954 The Loretta Young Show, episode The Clara Schumann Story, originally aired March 21, 1954 The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse, episode His Brother's Girl, originally aired February 26, 1954 The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse, episode Account Closed, originally aired January 15, 1954 The Loretta Young Show, episode Hotel Irritant, originally aired December 28, 1953 Fireside Theatre, episode Appointment with Death, originally aired November 17, 1953 The Loretta Young Show, episode Kid Stuff, originally aired November 8, 1953 Fireside Theatre, episode Refuge, originally aired October 6, 1953 The Loretta Young Show, episode The Mirror, originally aired September 27, 1953 The Loretta Young Show, episode Trial Run, originally aired September 20, 1953 Schlitz Playhouse, episode Richard and the Lion, originally aired July 3, 1953 Your Jeweler's Showcase, episode Heart's Desire, originally aired May 19, 1953 Fireside Theatre, episode Boundary Line, originally aired February 17, 1953 Fireside Theatre, episode The Lady Wears a Star, originally aired January 27, 1953 Gruen Guild Theater, episode My Brother's Wife, originally aired December 26, 1952 Gruen Guild Theater, episode An Affair at the Embassy, originally aired October 18, 1952 Big Town, episode Baby Sitter, originally aired June 12, 1952 Fireside Theatre, episode The Golden Ball/Just Three Words, originally aired January 17, 1950

Gaymer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaymer

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search For information on the beverage, see Gaymer's Olde English cider. Gaymer or gay gamer is an umbrella term used to refer to the group of people who identify themselves as gay, bisexual, lesbian, or transgendered and have an active interest in the video game community, also known as gamers. This demographic has been the subject of two large surveys: by Jason Rockwood in 2006,[1] who noted the level of prejudice that gaymers endure,[2] and by Paul Nowak in 2009, focusing in what contents gaymers expect in videogames.[3][4] In 2007 Chris Vizzini, owner of the gaming site Gaymer.org, sought to trademark the term gaymer with respect to online communities.[5] Contents 1 Surveys 1.1 2006 University of Illinois 1.2 2009 Full Sail University 2 Media coverage 3 See also 4 External links 5 References Surveys 2006 University of Illinois In 2006, a University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign sociological study looked at the gay gamer subgroup focusing on the profile of a "gaymer" and concerns they have regarding the perception of them in the gaming community and visibility of gay characters in games.[1] The study's author noted the level of prejudice that gaymers endure: "Gay gamers experience a double edged sword of prejudice... The mainstream gay culture and media is not supportive of video games. Then you have the video game culture that is not supportive of gay culture. So you have these people stuck in the middle who have this double edged prejudice."[2] With about 10.000 respondents the survey exhibited a reverse bell curve of gamer sexuality, with most people identifying as either completely heterosexual or homosexual.[6] Only a "very small minority" of the respondents to the first survey supported the use of the term gaymer.[7] 2009 Full Sail University In late August 2009, Full Sail University student Paul S. Nowak began the second survey of gaymer play preferences at NewGaymerSurvey.com as research for his Master’s Thesis in Video Game Design. "Since Jason Rockwood's survey in 2006 was the first of its kind, it got stuck with the burden of proving to the academic community that the gay gaming community even existed. Now that he's been successful at that, we can make a more in-depth study of what exactly gaymers want from their games," said Nowak.[8] The survey focused on "things like plot, genre, customisation and other in-game experiences, rather than homophobic abuse". Nowak also said, "The differences [between the two surveys] are apparent right from the beginning. Rockwood and I have very different backgrounds. My expertise is design and, unlike Rockwood, I have been a gamer for over 20 years. That difference is reflected in my study. Being the second survey in the field, I am able to shift my focus onto questions of content such as plot, genre, customization and other in-game experiences." While the results of Nowak's survey are still pending, the survey team reports that over 7000 people have participated in the survey to date.[9][3][4][10] As of February 2011, Nowak is seeking publication for his findings from those first 7000 responses. Nowak's resume refers to the study as "Currently under review for publication in Games & Culture". [11] Media coverage Video game magazine The Escapist devoted Issue 222 to gay gamers and characters with the title "Queer Eye for the Gamer Guy" (similar to the TV show title).[12] The MMORPG game The Lord of the Rings Online dropped a planned online marriage feature because of the controversy around restrictions on same-sex and inter-species marriage.[13] The online magazine for gaymers GayGamer.net commented that, while J. R. R. Tolkien was a devout Christian, his stance on gay rights isn't known as the topic wasn't a public issue at the time.[14]

Gay Thai monks told to curb their flamboyant behaviour

THE flamboyant behaviour of gay and transgender Thai monks, who are often be seen wearing revealingly tight robes, carrying pink purses and having effeminately-shaped eyebrows, has become a source of grave concern to Buddhist leaders. This picture of a monk and his young friend was used last year by Bangkok Today to illustrate a report about gay Thai monks This picture of a monk and his young friend was used last year by Bangkok Today to illustrate a report about gay Thai monks The BBC reports that Buddhist preacher in Thailand – Phra Maha Wudhijaya Vajiramedhi – has announced plans for new guidelines aimed at curbing their queeniness. The “good manners” curriculum – the country’s first – is being introduced in the northern province of Chiang Rai, which apparently has the greatest number of gay and transgendered monks. The senior monk told the BBC he would address issues like smoking, drinking alcohol, walking and going to the toilet properly He said he was particularly concerned by effeminate activities among novices. Thailand has a very large and visible population of transgender men (kathoey), and Phra Vajiramedhi acknowledged that it was difficult to exclude them from the monkhood. But he hoped his course could at least persuade them to curb their more extrovert habits. If successful, the “good manners” course, at the Novice Demonstration School, would be replicated at other Buddhist monasteries and seminaries, he said. Last year, according to this blog, another senior monk – Phra Payom, abbot of Suan Kaew temple in Nonthaburi – said that on his travels of the nation’s temples, he has found most gay and kathoey monks in the North, though he has no idea why. The South has very few, while other regions contain a mix. He complained: They are an eyesore. They want to be gay, but haven’t worked out how to do it yet. Gay monks are not confined to the young. Some temples have gay monks aged in their 50s and 60s, who have been in the monkhood ten years or more. If gay monks are caught doing anything naughty, they can be chased out. Phra Payom added: However, they are often clever at arranging flowers, speak nicely to people, and can help senior monks putting on functions, so they end up staying. Phra Payom said that Thai television soaps, which often include gay characters, offer role models to Thai youngsters, which might explain the increase in gays and kathoey in the region. NOTE: Bangkok Today ran the picture above to illustrate a shock-horror story about the profusion of gay monks in the North. Their faces were obscured, but someone later posted a copy of the original picture on the internet. HAT TIP: Robert Stovold http://freethinker.co.uk/2009/04/28/gay-thai-monks-told-to-curb-their-flamboyant-behaviour/

Gay or lesbian, and Muslims too

Posted February 18th, 2008 > Add to digg > Add to del.icio.us > Add to Furl > Add to Facebook * * * * ???? Parvez Sharma spent six years traveling throughout the Muslim world, Europe and North America documenting the lives of gay and lesbian Muslims – many of them devout – who struggle to reconcile their faith with their sexuality. Marianna Evenstein caught up with the Indian filmmaker. By MARIANNA EVENSTEIN a jihad for love R.R. Parvez Sharma identifies himself as both gay and Muslim. He moved to the United States in 2000, but it was only after the September 11 attacks in 2001 that Sharma felt compelled to "come out" as a Muslim in the US. "Everything in the world had changed in some ways, and my Islam made me very visible in the West," he says. At the same time, Sharma was frustrated with the negative ways in which Islam was being portrayed in Western media post 9-11. The making of "A Jihad for Love" allowed him to tell the "story of Islam through its most unlikely storytellers – gay and lesbian Muslims." The subjects of Sharma's film represent the various and diverse worlds of Islam – Sunni and Shia, traditional and modern, orthodox and more secular. They include an openly gay imam in South Africa, an Egyptian who was imprisoned and tortured for being gay before fleeing to France, a lesbian couple in Turkey, and four young gay men who escaped Iran and now live in Canada. What all of these individuals share is a continued and intense devotion to their faith. Despite the ordeals they go through, none of them chooses to abandon their beliefs. Sharma spent a great deal of time developing a relationship of trust with his subjects, which enabled them to open up about the intensely private experiences of faith and sexuality. This in turn had a tremendous impact on Sharma personally. Lessons about faith "I have definitely gone through a long journey of reclaiming my faith and reclaiming my Islam through this film. I feel like I went on a journey through the many worlds of Islam. I have suffered the anguish my subjects suffered, and they taught me every day about faith." Pervez Sharma. R.R. According to traditional interpretations of the Qur'an, homosexuality is considered sinful and is strictly forbidden. As a result, same-sex activities are outlawed in most Islamic countries. Because Sharma knew that he would never be granted permission from Islamic governments to make a film on such a taboo subject, he often shot his material undercover. "I pretended to be a tourist," he explains. "I was able to get remarkable access because I looked like everybody else." Sharma's own religious identity enabled him to create a film from an insider's perspective and with a tremendous amount of respect for the faith. "In many ways, being a Muslim enabled me to film with a Muslim lens and a great deal of understanding of Islam," says Sharma. "It would have been easy to make a film that was just critical of my religion. But I worked very hard together with my subjects to make sure that the beauty of the faith they hold so dear is documented with absolute honesty and integrity." Jihad as internal struggle The film's title, "A Jihad for Love," was a very deliberate choice. In the West, the concept of "jihad" has come to be associated primarily with "holy war". But "jihad" in Islamic tradition is also understood as an internal, spiritual struggle. As Sharma explains, "We are laying claim to one of the most contested and divisive words in our vocabulary today, and saying that what the violent minority within Islam presents as jihad is certainly not what the Prophet Mohammed was talking about. Because he was talking about the greater jihad, the struggle within the self." It is this kind of struggle that the subjects of Sharma's film are engaged in – a personal, spiritual struggle for acceptance, and ultimately for love. While there is much anguish in each of their stories, there is also a sense of hope. As the film's characters strive to reconcile their beliefs with the innate reality of their being, they succeed in negotiating a new, personal relationship to Islam. And by doing this, they offer both Muslims and non-Muslims everywhere a different kind of perspective – one that focuses on a shared humanity and bridges religious divides. Bringing change "A Jihad for Love" has already sparked a tremendous response from audiences at film festivals in Canada, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa and the UK. While most of the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, Sharma admits that he has received a number of angry and threatening emails. But this has not deterred him from his goal of bringing the film to Muslim audiences in the Muslim world. "Seeing the audience response and how people are embracing this film, I realize that in the next few years the film will turn into a movement," says Sharma. "We are launching a Muslim dialogue project with this film, which will be transformative and create change. I will take this film into mosques, into communities where it really matters most." "If I can prevent a young man in Tehran or a young woman in Cairo from feeling completely isolated and alone, from contemplating suicide… give them a sense of hope to be able to exercise their sexuality but also stay true to their faith… if one person's life is changed by the film, I think I would have been victorious in some way." http://www.menassat.com/?q=en/news-articles/2978-gay-or-lesbian-and-muslims-too

Gay Muslims made homeless by family violence

•August 10, 2010 • Leave a Comment BBC Website Feature by Poonam Taneja / 11 January 2010BBC Website Feature by Poonam Taneja / 11 January 2010 I think I’d be vulnerable if people knew about me – I’ve heard a lot of remarks in the past about people saying that gay people should die for religious reasons. Ali. East london. ________________________________________________________ A UK charity is dealing with an increasing number of young gay Muslims becoming homeless after fleeing forced marriages and so-called honour violence. During a weekly drop-in group held by the Albert Kennedy Trust in London, Suni, a 20-year-old London student, helps himself to a warm mince pie and a steaming cup of coffee.In 2008, during a holiday to Pakistan to visit relatives, his parents suspected the truth about his sexuality. They believed marriage would “cure” him of what they considered to be a psychological disorder. Name ‘blackened’ “They told me I’m going to be forced into marriage and they’re looking for a girl and I’ll be married in two to three months and I won’t be able to come back to London,” Suni said. When he refused, he was imprisoned in his family’s ancestral home in a remote village of Pakistan and subjected to regular beatings and abuse as he had brought “shame” on the strict Muslim family. “I stayed there for three months and he was always beating me. He was telling me I had blackened our family name and he was saying it’s a sin. I know it was just for honour.” Suni managed to escape and return to the UK, penniless and homeless. Relatives and friends were reluctant to help him due to fear of violent reprisals from his family. After a night spent in a police cell, he was put in touch with the trust, which helped find him safe accommodation. ‘Gay demons’ Trust worker Annie Southerst said in the past six months there has been an increase in the number of Muslims coming to them for help. ”They face threats of physical violence, actual violence and restriction of liberties,” she said. ”We’ve had people chased out of the house with knives and we have had issues around young people who had exorcisms planned to get rid of the gay demons, I suppose. “They come to us because they’re homeless, or in danger of being homeless imminently. We sort out emergency accommodation for them. ”But the biggest loss they face is the loss of their families. ”I can’t imagine what it must be like to suddenly in your late teens, early 20s suddenly not to have a family anymore.” Using laws introduced by the government in November 2008, the charity has taken out four Forced Marriage Protection orders in the past few months. The orders were introduced after ministers dropped plans to make forcing someone to marry a crime. More than 80 have been imposed so far. Breaching one is contempt of court and can carry a two-year jail term. Fazal Mahmood runs a support group for South Asian and Middle Eastern gay men, called Himat, which means strength in Urdu. ”I’ve got about 150 people on my mail out list. “About 80%… have been coerced into marriage or been forced into marriage or are being forced into marriage,” he said. Mr Mahmood says homosexuality is considered a taboo issue within close-knit Muslim communities in areas such as London, Bradford and Manchester. “I’m proud to be a Muslim, I’m proud to be South Asian, Pakistani and I’m proud to be gay as well. “Unfortunately a lot of parents don’t see that. All they see is ‘what is my community going to feel like when they find out my son or daughter is gay?’.” Keeping quiet In fact he advises young gay Muslims not to come out to their families. ”Once you’ve told your family and friends about your sexuality, the next unfortunate step for your family to do is ask you to leave.” Ali, 21, lives in east London with his large Bangladeshi family, and has decided to keep his sexuality a secret. ”When they do find out, they’re basically going to go against it. ”My relationship with them is not going to be the same, the respect they have for me is going to be different and I’m going to miss that relationship,” he said. He is also worried about the repercussions within the local community if they discover he is gay. “You see people being killed for being gay and stuff. I think I’d be vulnerable if people knew about me.”I’ve heard a lot of remarks in the past about people saying that gay people should die for religious reasons.” Police protection A special government unit tackles the issue of forced marriages. Every year it deals with around 1,600 cases of forced marriage. Three-quarters of all calls are from people of South Asian origin. Department head Olaf Henricson-Bell said gay and lesbian youngsters were particularly vulnerable. ”A few weeks ago, an individual got in touch with the unit to say he’d been taken to Pakistan, forced to marry against his will, brought back to the UK then denounced by both his new wife and his family for his sexuality. “He’d been subject to physical and other abuse. When he rang us he was scared to leave the home and we had to secure police protection.”Forced marriage by its nature is an underground practice and the cases often go unreported. ”The individuals involved may be reluctant to mention sexuality when they ring us or when they bring their case to the attention of the authorities,” he said. The unit plans to work with the trust to produce a training programme for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender organisations working with young people at risk of being forced into marriage. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8446458.stm Posted in BBC News Tags: BBC, Britain’s Islamic Republic, Coming Out, forced marriages, gay muslims, honour violence, LGBT, Pakistan, shame, strict muslim family Iran set to execute 18-year-old on false charge of sodomy •August 7, 2010 • Leave a Comment An 18-year-old Iranian is facing imminent execution on charges of homosexuality, even though he has no legal representation. Ebrahim Hamidi, who is not gay, was sentenced to death for lavat, or sodomy, on the basis of “judge’s knowledge”, a legal loophole that allows for subjective judicial rulings where there is no conclusive evidence. Hamidi had been represented by human rights lawyer Mohammad Mostafaei, who has since been forced to flee Iran after bringing to international attention the case of another of his clients, Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, a 43-year-old Iranian mother of two who has been sentenced to death by stoning for adultery. Mostafaei was due to arrive in Norway yesterday to begin a life in exile while continuing his campaigns on behalf of his clients, including Hamidi. At the same time, human rights activist Peter Tatchell has written to the foreign secretary, William Hague, urging him to contact the chief justice of Iran and ask that the execution be halted. “Ebrahim’s case is evidence that innocent heterosexual people can be sentenced to death on false charges of homosexuality [in Iran],” said Tatchell, co-founder of the London-based gay rights group OutRage. Hamidi was arrested two years ago in the suburbs of the western city of Tabriz in the East Azerbaijan province after a fight with members of another family. Three of his friends were also involved in the incident and were subsequently arrested. Later, the four were accused of homosexual assault on a man and of attempting to abuse him sexually. A person convicted of homosexuality in Iran can be lashed, hanged or stoned to death. The law includes a variety of penalties for different acts: 99 lashes if two unrelated males sleep “unnecessarily” under the same blanket – even without any sexual contact. A boy raped by an adult man would also be lashed if the court decided that he had “enjoyed” the experience. After three days in detention, Hamidi confessed to the crime, allegedly under torture. The other three were cleared of all charges when promised by officials that they would be freed if they testified against Hamidi. However, last month Hamidi’s alleged victim admitted that he had been under pressure from his parents to make false accusations. Nevertheless the local judiciary has insisted that Hamidi should be executed. Mostafaei initially wrote an open letter about Hamidi’s case to highlight the execution of juvenile offenders. But two weeks ago Mostafaei’s wife, Fereshteh Halimi, was arrested and had been kept in solitary confinement in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison without charge until late last night, when the Observer understood that she was released. Mostafaei fled to Turkey, where he was promptly arrested for entering the country illegally. On Friday, however, the Turkish authorities released him after EU diplomats intervened on his behalf. As he left, Mostafaei had repeated his fears for his wife’s safety. “They’ve taken her in as a hostage; it’s kidnapping,” he told the Observer. “Just look at what is happening to my wife and realise the flaws and failings of the Iranian legal system, especially towards Ebrahim Hamidi and Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, who are awaiting execution on basis of false accusations,” he added. Mostafaei, whose office in Tehran is now sealed off, is credited with saving at least 50 people from execution during his career, among them many juvenile offenders. A recent client, Ali Mahin-Torabi, 21, was released in July after Mostafaei’s efforts commuted his death sentence. With Mostafaei exiled, activists are worried for Hamidi. “It’s shocking that although Hamidi’s accuser admitted in a recorded testimony that he had lied, he is still facing execution,” Mostafaei said. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/08/iran-mohammad-mostafaei-rights-lawyer Posted in News Reports Tags: Ebrahim Hamidi, IRAN, Mohammad Mostafaei, OutRage, Peter Tatchell What’s it like being a gay Muslim? •August 7, 2010 • Leave a Comment * by Homa Khaleeli * The Guardian, Wednesday 29 July 2009 EastEnders’ current romantic storyline featuring a gay Muslim character has caused a stir. But what is it really like to be gay within Britain’s Muslim communities? Pav Akhtar is not usually a fan of soaps. But the 30-year-old local councillor and Unison worker has been paying special attention since EastEnders introduced its first gay Muslim character. Akhtar, the chair of Imaan, an organisation for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Muslims, advised the BBC on the storyline in the hope that the character of Syed Masood would help tackle the double discrimination of homophobia and Islamophobia that many gay Muslims face. The Muslim theologian Amanullah De Sondy said recently that the vast majority of Muslims were “deeply homophobic”, and a survey carried out this summer among British Muslims reported that 0% of those questioned thought homosexuality was “morally acceptable”. Yet, so far, the taboo-busting EastEnders storyline has not sparked the expected deluge of complaints – in fact, the soap’s first gay Muslim kiss attracted a healthy 7.9 million viewers. But what is it like being gay and Muslim in the UK today? Javaid, 34 It’s good that a soap opera is tackling this. The EastEnders storyline may cause a bit of outrage, but anything that gets people talking can only be a good thing. I don’t think we should sweep everything under the carpet – people should be challenged. My family are liberal Muslims and I think coming out to them has been no different than if I was Jewish or Christian. But although I am out to my immediate family, I’m not out to my community, so I don’t want to identify myself fully. I couldn’t reconcile my sexuality with their teachings, and so I lost my faith. I was religious up to my mid-teens, but once I started to understand my sexuality, I became confused. My understanding was that in Islam homosexuality was seen in the same way as adultery. That sends a message that being gay is something to be ashamed of and not socially acceptable. It was really upsetting and I would pray to Allah to turn me straight. At that point, if I could have done anything to make myself straight I would have done. When my parents found out, my father did not really understand. But he tried hard to learn. The debate about lowering the age of consent was going on at the time, and he would cut out articles and videotape TV programmes to show me when I came home. He even went to a gay bookshop and bought a book about being the parent of a gay son. It really meant a lot to me. My mum was very different. She is a practising Muslim and has been to hajj twice. She cried for about three days when I told her. That was 15 years ago and I still can’t talk to her openly about it. I want to, but I can’t do it yet. Farzana Fiaz, 37 Journalist I don’t know about this report that said 0% of British Muslims believed being gay was acceptable. That has not been my experience or the experience of my friends. But I think Muslims do find the concept of having an identity based around sexuality an alien concept. I’m out to all of my friends and most people who know me, but despite being chair of an organisation for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Muslims, I have never identified myself in interviews before because I have tried to be respectful of my family’s religious and cultural sensibilities. But recently I was outed by a relative to family members both in the UK and in Pakistan. Now I realise I don’t want to give anyone that kind of power over me again. I was brought up with a narrow interpretation of Islam from a traditional, working-class Pakistani perspective and believed, like everyone else, that being gay was wrong. I suppose this is still the dominant Muslim interpretation, but it’s not the only one. It was a very difficult time when I realised I was mostly gay in my early 20s; that it wasn’t just a passing phase. I had something of a nervous breakdown: I couldn’t stop crying for days, I had nightmares, I couldn’t sleep alone, I thought I was going to hell for feeling the way I did. I didn’t know any gay Muslims, or gay Asians even, so I couldn’t discuss the religious side with anyone. Eventually I saw a meeting advertised in the Pink Paper looking for gay Muslims for a support group. Through Imaan, I listened to scholars and open-minded imams, and discovered that, like many things in the Qu’ran, there can be different interpretations about homosexuality. When an Arabic paper picked up the story of our first conference, an extremist group issued a fatwa against us. The police sent 40 riot officers to protect us. After 9/11, we experienced Islamophobia including from within the gay community – at Gay Pride, some of the crowd heckled us, and even a Pride steward referred to us as terrorists. True, most of the threats we had at Imaan came from Muslims, but they were also more generally from men. I started telling my mum I was gay about 10 years ago. It took her about 10 years to accept and I’d have to reiterate it when the issue of marriage came up. When I told her the truth, she told me to pray and ask God to forgive me, but she would never disown me. Now she says maybe I know more about it – she left school at 16 in Pakistan, while I studied Arabic at university and researched the subject a lot, so she does take my opinion seriously. Ibrahim, 40s Charity worker I think things are getting worse for gay Muslims because of the more extreme interpretations of Islam around today. The Muslim community is more homophobic – at least towards those who are out and comfortable. People have become brainwashed and no longer want to think about the true meaning of Islam. I’ve seen Muslim men sent to the US for electric shock treatment to “cure” them of their homosexuality; I know of gay men who have been murdered in “honour killings” – in fact, the police often contact our sexual health organisation if there is an unexplained death of a young Muslim man to check if he is on our database. I have even heard parents tell their children they would rather they were suicide bombers than gay. Because of this attitude there are lots of men who outwardly lead an Islamic lifestyle, who are married and go to prayers on a Friday, but then go and pick up men for sex. They don’t see that they’re gay . I’ve worked with rabbis and imams and the one thing they agree on is that gay men should either marry women or abstain. But abstinence is not an option to most human beings and I always ask, “Would you marry your daughter to someone you knew was gay? Do you think they would be happy with him?” The nikah (Islamic marriage service) is not gender-specific, so why not just let gay Muslim men marry each other? Many Muslims think gay culture is about promiscuous sex, drugs and drinking. But being a gay Muslim can mean committing to one relationship. If gay Muslims marry each other, it would discourage double lives and promiscuity. The imams I have said this to agree with me, but say they can’t say that in public. My family know I’m gay; we don’t talk about it, but they have always known – probably before I did. My mother told me to be myself. But I was bullied very badly at school. It was continuous – homophobic and racist – and it stopped me completing my education. I used to pray to Allah to ask him to make me straight; I even visited the shrines of Sufi saints. Then I spoke to scholars, imams and academics and I learned that there’s no word for homosexuality in the Qur’an, but it does teach you to respect the diversity in the world and be honest – which is what I am doing. So now I’m looking for a partner for life, who will accept me and my religion. Pav Akhtar, 30, Union worker and local councillor I really welcome the gay character in EastEnders because I want people to engage in the discussion. The Masoods are brilliant – even if they are caricatures, like all other soap opera characters. I grew up in a household where no sexuality was discussed – it didn’t exist. That’s true of many British Asian families. You feel like you’re not supposed to have any sexual feelings – we had to switch channels if anyone was kissing on TV. It was a working-class Asian family, and I went to the mosque five times a week and was very attached to my faith. My sisters and brothers are very supportive – I took my partner to Pakistan to visit my family there last year, and that was fine. My mother knows, but I have never actually discussed it with her, although I have introduced her to my “friends”. With parents it’s not just a cultural taboo, but their concern that without marriage and a family you will be alone. http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/jul/29/gay-muslims-britain Posted in News Reports Tags: bi, breeding homophobia, charity worker, Coming Out, EastEnders, fatwa, gay, gay muslims, Homa Khaleeli, honour killings, Imaan, Islamic rhetoric about homosexuality, lesbian, LGBT, nikah, Pakistan, Pink Paper, The Guardian, transgender, UK Muslims Why are Islamic nutters in nightdresses so obsessed with gays? •August 6, 2010 • Leave a Comment Douglas Murray is a bestselling author and award-winning journalist based in London. He has written for numerous publications including the Telegraph, Spectator, Wall Street Journal and Sunday Times. He is a columnist for Standpoint magazine and the Director of the Centre for Social Cohesion, a Westminster think-tank which studies radicalisation and extremism in Britain. If anyone missed Channel 4’s Dispatches the other night, can I very much recommend it? “Britain’s Islamic Republic” is available here and is vital viewing. Andrew Gilligan’s programme will be shocking even for those of you who, like me, thought they couldn’t be shocked by this sort of thing any more. One interesting addition, if I may, which Brett at Harry’s Place also points out here. Though there has been a lot of press coverage of the documentary, there has been far too little outrage about the opening sequences showing the East London Mosque (yes, that one, favoured by Boris Johnson and Prince Charles) as the venue for events at which the most virulent anti-gay and anti-women perverts preach. I know that’s no surprise, but stay with me a moment. One preacher, an evidently lunatic semi-literate called Abdul Karim Hattin, is shown playing what he calls “a game” called “spot the fag”. For this tittersome “game” he uses a slide to show a picture of Elton John beside one of the dead rapper “2-pac” (Tupac Shakur). This confuses me a lot. I think the point this unfunny bigot is trying to make is that you can somehow recognise Elton John as gay because of the way he looks. But surely there is some mistake. In the photo Elton John is wearing a respectable casual red top. Tupac on the other hand is topless, rather conspicuously ripped, and his naked torso glistening with sweat. Now I don’t want to spoil this “game”, but to my, not untrained, eyes I’d have identified “2-pac” as gay in this gay identity-parade. But as it turns out, Mr Hattin also thinks (though for baffling reasons) that Tupac’s image was somehow gay. I’m not sure I go along with this. In any case, Mad-as-a-Hattin is saying all this whilst wearing what looks to me distinctly like an elderly lady’s nightdress. This is not the first time that I have wondered about the weirdly homosexual-obsession of onstensibly homophobic Muslim preachers. The picture of “2-pac” stays up just a little too long. It is almost as though Hattin could not resist the temptation to share the photo of this glistening black male body with his Muslim “brothers” for as long as possible. Which as always, says more about him than it does about anyone else. And as I’ll never fail to say: only in a mosque. Only in a mosque in Britain could routine hatred like this pass by unnoticed and largely unobjected to. Blog by Douglas Murray /Daily Telegraph http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/douglasmurray/100028369/why-are-islamic-nutters-in-nightdresses-so-obsessed-with-gays/ Posted in News Reports Tags: Abdul Karim Hattin, Britain’s Islamic Republic, Centre for Social Cohesian, Daily Telegraph, Elton John, homophobic Muslim preachers, homosexual-obsession Halal-only School meals •August 6, 2010 • 6 Comments This is the kind of news report I find disturbing. Do what you wish, we live in a democracy, but refrain from thrusting ” your ideals ” upon us, so we have no choice. If all school meals went vegetarian or kosker – there would be UPROAR. ______________________________________ RESIDENTS across Harrow have vented their anger about proposals to have halal-only menus in primary schools in the borough – following the revelation in the Observer last month. The newspaper revealed exclusively how Harrow Council has employed a catering company to only prepare Halal meat – to serve youngsters in Harrow. Primary schools are free to opt in to the programme or look elsewhere for their meals but readers are angry that the council has even put the scheme forward. Sheila Murphy, of Athelstone Road, Harrow Weald, said: “I am appalled at Harrow Council’s decision to serve only Halal meat in the borough’s schools. “The Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) has lobbied the government in the past to get the Kosher and Halal method of slaughter banned. “The Halal method, in which animals are slaughtered by a single slit to the throat, is the only way of killing livestock allowed under Islam but this method is deemed cruel by some animal-lovers, who object to the slow death it involves. “Harrow Council’s decision is also taking away the choice of children and their parents over what meat they eat and I urge Harrow residents to make their views known to Harrow Council and get this decision overturned.” The decision to go with catering company Harrison’s was taken by the council after the same company was hired to provide Halal only menus to Harrow’s high schools four years ago. That decision was made by a consortium of high schools, not the council, but it has since approached Harrison’s specifically asking them to provide Halal meat only meals because of alleged preparation constraints in kitchens. Allen Roff, who is part of a campaign group called the Indegenious Opression League, slammed the decision adding: “One of our campaigns is to see that the other various religions and Atheists are not compelled to eat Halal or any other religious meals in Harrow schools. “We think if Muslims cannot eat other meat than Halal, then they should bring in packed lunches. “You cannot force ones religious ideals on others such as Christian’s, Hindus, Sikhs, Atheists and others. “We will be campaigning to make all schools and parents aware.” But chief co-ordinator of the Harrow Pakistani Society, Mohammad Rizvi, thinks the issue has been blown out of proportion. He said: “For Muslim children the only option they have is to eat is Halal, it is part of their religion. “Whereas it isn’t a problem for children of other faiths to eat Halal. “This isn’t about Islamification or pandering to Muslim’s it’s just common sense. “If you go into any restaurant you will find that a lot of the meat is Halal anyway, it doesn’t taste any different or better it is just part of our religion.” Aug 3rd 2010 by David Baker http://www.harrowobserver.co.uk/west-london-news/local-harrow-news/2010/08/03/anger-over-halal-only-menus-in-schools-116451-26987078/ Posted in News Reports Tags: Harrow Council, Harrow Pakistani Society, The Halal method HALAL-lujah! •August 5, 2010 • Leave a Comment Welcome to the SUICIDE-BUMMERS blog. It’s a bit gay, welcomes rants and holds court on things like how an an English Breakfast in Camden now has to be Halal. Wot no bleedin’ pork sausage? Where’s the rasher? But that’s not all. This blog will also show how I can’t go to an Islamic country without being criminalised, how Britain is doffing it’s cap to Muslims without encouraging integration but above all not challenging Islamic rhetoric about homosexuality, in a country deemed to be Christian liberal or secular in matters of the bedroom. UK Muslims judge my given sexual orientation, ranking it with murder, punishable by death . . . ( mind you the Jehovahs Witnesses hold almost similar views ), another dysfunctional, controlling, judgeMENTAL religion. I will not be adding things 5 times a day but may point out how a medieval religious viewpoint is breeding homophobia and physical attacks on gayers in Muslim dominated parts of 21st Century Britain. I live in a Muslim dominated area with immigrants from different countries holding differing strands of Islam. Some refuse to even look at me in my block, while other Muslims chat merrily away to me and offer warm eye contact. Not all Muslims hold extreme views but if they knew I was a bummer, all eyes except mine, would be drawn to the floor in the lift with vile contempt. I came out when homosexuality was decriminalised in the UK, so I know what it was like then to be despised and sidelined. Maybe this is how Muslims feel in Britain today but I refuse to hide in the shadows again by another dominating religion and it’s homophobic followers. Islamist teaching breeds homophobia simply by nature of religion at birth. Catholics say British first, Catholic second. A Muslim feels Muslim first, british second, even if born here. The Muslim theologian Amanullah De Sondy said recently that the vast majority of Muslims were “deeply homophobic”, and a survey carried out this summer among British Muslims reported that 0% of those questioned thought homosexuality was “morally acceptable”. This energy and moral superiority must be contested. I hold no hate for Islam but I do hold rage against the muslim machine and it’s unforgiving righteous doctrine. I understand a lot of women feel this way too for some reason. But that’s their story . . . . . . this is mine. http://suicidebummer.wordpress.com/

Gay Islamic Clerics= pedophile Islamic clerics

?!! by Fariborz (Iran) It’s confusing, right? sounds to me! as I grow up in the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) after revolution – an extreme Islamic country – so it was taboo even questioning about gay concept to detail! Just in school they taught us about a story from Quran and how people with same-sex marriage which all punished by God and the get killed so badly! So I understood that there can’t be a gay/lesbian out there but some people who will get punish by God. I grew up with this fact and other legal news about execution of gay people. Till I heard some rumors about people who attend to Islamic schools and they have same sex practices. A Taboo! Even I couldn’t imagine in Islamic school people are committing one the world biggest sins! Do you hear me, Islamic school? I didn’t have any evidence and this rumor didn’t stop there. Actually when I started to research about it almost more than 70% of people who I questioned, they knew it as an unquestionable fact! It was shocking news to me. I knew that having 4 or more women is part of Islamic law and we heard alot about clerics bizzare sexual bahviour specially in their foreign trips but this one! I haven’t had any clue. I’m sure in IRI guys do not French kiss, at least it’s not in our culture. also I am sure about it because I have had lots friends and we have never done it or even think about it. It is gross! (No offence to gays, just this is the way I feel) But I saw many pictures of some Islamic clerics that do French kiss! OMG! Just take a look at them. akhund_kiss.JPG khameni_kiss.JPG (for more picture just check my blog) I thought finally I found out all about them! Islamic clerics are executing gay people but they do it themselves! Double standard! But it didn’t finish here till I noticed these clerics are worst than that! Some of them are pedophiles! Almost 60 percent of people who I asked, they said they heard rumors about pedophile clerics! Just take a good look at pictures: akhund_kiss2.JPG These pictures are crime evidences and even people around this clerics look at them like gross! it all comes from lack of rules. Unfortunately There is no definition of child abuse in our judiciary rules so nobody can bring them to the court of law for child abuse although I think if even we had such rules these clerics would still live by their double standards! We now know that there are pedophile priests which their information are out there and people can be more protect their children. how about Islamic clerics? unfortunately in Islamic countries, they were hiding any information about Islamic clerics sex crime but finally one day this information will be out and people understands clerics outrageous crimes. What is admirable about democratic countries like the United States is how freedom of information act let people have access to this kind of information. Here are a few of the highlights about priest pedophile facts: * US clerics accused of abuse from 1950-2002: 4,392. About 4% of the 109,694 serving during those 52 years. * Individuals making accusations: 10,667. * Victims’ ages: 5.8% under 7; 16% ages 8-10; 50.9% ages 11-14; 27.3% ages 15-17. * Victims’ gender: 81% male, 19% female * Duration of abuse: Among victims, 38.4% said all incidents occurred within one year; 21.8% said one to two years; 28%, two to four years; 11.8% longer. * Victims per priest: 55.7% with one victim; 26.9% with two or three; 13.9% with four to nine; 3.5% with 10 or more (these 149 priests caused 27% of allegations). * Abuse locations: 40.9% at priest’s residence; 16.3% in church; 42.8% elsewhere. * Known cost to dioceses and religious orders: $572,507,094 (does not include the $85 million Boston settlement and other expenses after research was concluded). (Hartford Courant, 2/27/04) For more information about Catholic Pedophile Priests, please study following report A Report on the Crisis in the Catholic Church in the United States This is the United State, how about your country? could we find such information about your country religious clerics? why not? some people think in any institutional religion we can find same problems but mostly they hide it. what do you think? http://www.mideastyouth.com/2007/07/24/gay-islamic-clerics/

fabulous n g

The line between failure and success is so fine that we . . . are often on the line and do not know it. How many a person has thrown up his or her hands at a time when a little more effort, a little more patience, would have achieved success. A little more persistence, a little more effort, and what seemed hopeless failure may turn to glorious success. ~Elbert Hubbard Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 8:01 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Thursday, February 28, 2008 F.A.G News Alert! Thanks to JMAC! Last night on CNN's Larry King! JMac- an autistic kid from our local community was featured on last evenings LARRY KING LIVE- the show gave kids- like my son (pictured) hope that autistic kiddos can survive- thrive and make a huge difference in the world. As parents of these kids we become warriors connected through this amazing experience- thank you to LARRY KING producers, Doug Flutie, Rosie O'Donnell- and Jenny McCarthy! Keep Talking- bloggin- and publishing books about autism! David Christian Hamblin A F.A.G American Father www.fabulousandgay.com photo by Megan Rossman Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 10:39 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook F.A.G NEWS ALERT- IMPEACH MAGGIE BROOKS! Monroe County Executive 'Comes Out' Written by Christopher Hinesley/Empty Closet Newspaper/Rochester, NY February 23, 2008---Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks showed her intolerance of same sex couples, "coming out" as a government official who is openly opposed to equal marriage for all. In her news release on February 22, 2008, Ms. Brooks announced her decision to appeal the recent court ruling requiring the recognition of legal marriage licenses from outside New York State. Saying she would not allow equal benefits for unmarried couples, Brooks seems to have entirely missed the point of the Court's decision. The Gay Alliance has responded to many calls for help from County employees who are frustrated that their health care and other benefits are not extended to their families. Marriage recognition would provide this opportunity. The issue does not seem to be financial, as most analyses of adding benefits for same sex couples by their employers show an insignificant overall cost. Thank you Empty Closet-Now for my comment: WE need a ZERO Tolerance Plan for ANY and ALL public servants who do not serve the well-being of our community. EQUAL RIGHTS for all AMERICANS!! IMPEACH! We have the right to MARRY and enjoy the same rights as Maggie Brooks! (airbrushed picture/Monroe County) David Christian Hamblin A F.A.G American www.fabulousandgay.com Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 9:11 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook F.A.G NEWS ALERT last day for REGISTRATION- The Spirit of Life Workshop! Today is the last day to register for David Christian Hamblin's presentation- The Spirit of LIFE Workshop- March 1st- Saturday! Rochester NY. Email for more information:spiritoflifeworkshop@yahoo.com Upcoming dates in BOSTON, LA, Santa FE, ALBQ, Miami, St Thomas, Atlanta, NYC Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 7:31 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook F.A.G Meditative Moment! The little troubles and worries of life, so many of which we meet, may be as stumbling blocks in our way, or we may make them stepping-stones to a noble character and to Heaven. Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things. ~Henry Ward Beecher Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 7:27 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Monday, February 25, 2008 F.A.G Monday Reflection People who won't help others in trouble "because they got into trouble through their own fault" would probably not throw a lifeline to a drowning person until they learned whether that person fell in through his or her own fault or not.~Sydney J. Harris As much as we may say that we want peace and quiet and a life without struggle, the truth is that human beings are currently thriving in a world of dualities and challenges. It is how we choose to approach these hurdles that determine if we sail over them, confirming our agility, or trip and end up face down in the dust. And each of us absolutely will and must stumble, and then get up, brush the dust off, and carry on. This is how we learn and grow, developing depth of character and shades of understanding. In a world of dualities, we have trouble defining ourselves without something opposite and can’t discover who we are. Without challenge, there is nothing to do and nothing to discover. That leaves us either in a state of nonbeing or in the state of pure spirit, but as humans, we are spiritual beings experiencing the physical world in all of its startling contrast and beauty. No matter how spiritual we are, our lives will have challenges. We will always run into people that are different from us, but the true challenge may be in finding ways to be at peace with this process. Rather than give in to the fight-or-flight response that comes from our animal nature, we can find new ways to evolve together into higher, more beautiful expressions of ourselves, realizing, embracing, and celebrating the beauty of diversity and the strength it offers for the future. ~Daily OM Message David Christian Hamblin A F.A.G American Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 10:23 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Sunday, February 24, 2008 F.A.G MOMENT The art of living does not consist in preserving and clinging to a particular mood of happiness, but in allowing happiness to change its form. . . happiness, like a child, must be allowed to grow up. ~Charles L. Morgan Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 8:48 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Saturday, February 23, 2008 F.A.G Family Moment- The Porch Photo by Megan Rossman The Hamblin's Porch- even in the winter we love our porch- views of the snow covered garden's winterscape-the dogs running in the snow- our porch is gathering place for conversation....and summer dinners.....our porch is one of the favorite things about our humble home... Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 8:01 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook F.A.G Meditative Moment One is happy as a result of one's own efforts--once one knows the necessary ingredients of happiness--simple tastes, a certain degree of courage, self-denial to a point, love of work, and, above all, a clear conscience.~George Sand Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 7:59 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Wednesday, February 20, 2008 F.A.G ALERT! SPIRIT OF LIFE WORKSHOP! with DAVID CHRISTIAN HAMBLIN First time offered in the Finger Lakes Region of Western NYS! And to RATFA Agency Members! SATURDAY MARCH 1st 8am - 11pm Limited seating. Pre-registration IS required. Last day to register: 2/28/08 CALL: (585) 469.0016 EMAIL: SpiritofLifeWorkshop@yahoo.com at Plymouth Spiritualist Church 29 Vick Park A - Rochester, NY 14607 Presented by: David Christian Hamblin Cost: $100 (includes organic lunch and dinner) ________________________________________ * The Spirit of Life Workshop is a day-long experience that leverages creative art in a manner focused on wholeness and wellness in a world surrounded by negativity! Attendees will witness a fusion of motivational exercises and artistic creations, each handed down through the centuries and lending it's unique ability to turn even the most negative and DISeased energy into something positive and healthy. This workshop is an investment toward a stronger self image and sense of self esteem. Gift it to yourself, to a friend, or to your clients. All attendees will leave with a better understanding how to engage a path to the true nature of their inner Being. Wear comfortable clothing and experience a workshop like none other! ________________________________________ "David's workshop empowered me to reach out and find my passion.... amazing day of enlightenment and some of the people I met at the workshop are my best friends today!" Mark Silver Professional bodybuilder and model Venice Beach , CA "David's class changed my life completely- empowering-exciting-exhilarating!" Deanna Cahill Businesswoman/owner of Brow Diva Rochester , NY For more information, send Email to: SpiritofLifeWorkshop@yahoo.com OR call: 585.469.0016 Seating is limited. Sign up today! Artwork by Raphael Perez This workshop is endorsed by Strong Hospital RATFA Agencies/ scholarships available ask David! If you would like to sponsor a workshop in your hometown contact 585.469.0016 Other dates in 2008 in LA, NYC, Santa Fe, ALBQ, Denver, Boston! Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 4:30 PM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook F.A.G Family moment with The Hamblin's Photographer Megan Rossman captures a moment...... Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 4:26 PM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Tuesday, February 19, 2008 F.A.G Moment Self-respect cannot be hunted. It cannot be purchased. It is never for sale. It cannot be fabricated out of public relations. It comes to us when we are alone, in quiet moments, in quiet places, when we suddenly realize that, knowing the good, we have done it; knowing the beautiful, we have served it; knowing the truth, we have spoken it. ~Whitney Griswold Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 2:31 PM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Monday, February 18, 2008 F.A.G Monday Meditative Moment Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule. ~Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 1:15 PM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook F.A.G Moment Waiting for you has been my greatest challenge- Now that you are here....loving you is easier than I could have imagined. ~DCH Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 12:51 PM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Sunday, February 17, 2008 F.A.G Meditative Moment In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich. It is very easy to overestimate the importance of our own achievements in comparison with what we owe others. ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 7:10 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Wednesday, February 13, 2008 F.A.G FAMILY- A View into Our Fabulous LIFE Ten years ago I was celebrating with friends at the estate SOL Y Sombra in Santa Fe, New Mexico- the former Georgia O'Keefe home was then owned by the Miller's of Houston.....Champagne flowed as my friends toasted the pending adoption of my son. As the brillant sun was setting casting a golden and purple shadow on the mountains, I sat with my dear sister Caryl Westwood in the Miller's greenhouse- we were sitting under the Bodhi tree that the Dali Lama gifted the Millers and we prayed....I remember asking in my meditative prayer for courage and strength for what would become my greatest JOY- being Matt's DAD....I never thought it was possible to be gay and single and still be able to create a family.....and here I was on the eve of fatherhood celebrating this huge life event. It took me four years-countless meetings, parenting classes and be introduced to lots of kiddos that needed forever homes....I read a paragraph about little boy in foster care- I never saw a picture- but something about those few words stirred in me a response- I knew he was my son feeling- It took two years of campaigning and finally he had a social worker assigned that said YES- let’s have you meet.... I sat in a social services building lobby for about 10 minutes waiting. It seemed like hours...I clutched a small Winnie the Pooh I picked up to gift this little guy...my hands were sweating and I felt a little shaky. I was going to meet this little boy that might become my family.....what would it be like? what will I say? A giant steel door opened and a little head peeked out- and this little kid in a denim jumpsuit and t-shirt ran over to me....he took one look into my eyes- set his hands on my knees and said HI DADDY.... I picked him up and started to cry holding him close to me.....Hi my son- I am here, I'll always be here for you- I uttered through my joyful tears..... This little character had been in fostcare for four years and had been severely abused. How could anyone hurt this little boy, this sweet little angel.... The past ten years have been the most rewarding and the most challenging....it is not easy to be a single parent. In the middle of the night I wake up and start worrying- fretting- am I doing ok with all of this- I forgot to sign papers- or send lunch money did I call the doctor- OMG we need more clothing he is growing too fast- another pair of sneakers?...was that time-out long enough?..did I tell him I love him today?....did I hug him enough? My son was considered a crack baby/failure to thrive and he was bulimic at the age of 3. When he turned 7, I was working in INDY for artist- Nancy Noel- and we had to catch up on vaccines- so I took him to the Doc and he had the shots required for school in Indiana. 8 weeks later I noticed a remarkable difference in his behavior. He started with violent temper tantrums and throwing things in a glazed-over state. he kept acting out and screaming and yelling. I held tight to him. held him close to me- I promised him it would get better. We moved to Rochester after a year in Indy- back to where I grew up- and I opened my PR and marketing firm. It was here that we went through 32 specialists, doctors and therapists to finally find out that my son was on the autistic spectrum with multiple issues compounding his autisim. He had DNA testing, cat scans, ultra sounds, blood and urine work ups, non-verbal IQ testing, IQ testing, adaptive testing, high risk testing, talk therapy, play therapy, spiritual therapy, reiki, massage, animal therapy, and a lot of testing in school- speech- OT-PT- on and on..... The hardest part of all of this- is the schooling piece. We have lived in four different districts and still have not found a program that matches my son's needs. We were in the richest school district called BRIGHTON and treated like criminals- it was a disgusting experience on every level. Special ED programs are not ready for the influx of what is happening, nor are they moving in a direction to support the needs of these kids with multiple issues. Ship them off to an institution is the answer for most districts. Brighton is regarded as one of the top districts in the nation- yet if your kid falls into the special needs category they look the other way and gladly pay for a placement outside of the district. Can you tell I have an issue with them?.... For the time being my son is tutored at home by his teacher WAYNE- a former principal....recently photographer Megan Rossman came over and shot a few pictures of us- some of Matt with Wayne and more of our family time together.... Ten years goes by like a flash-memories of my friends toasting me in the light of New Mexico linger forever....I remember that prayer under the Dali Lama's bodhi tree asking for courage and strength- that prayer is renewed every day as I venture on.....like most parents we all share the same issues- it doesn't matter if you are gay-straight- single or married- we all love and care about our kids and wish them the very best- and sometimes we have to fight for what is their rightful place in this world. My son has grown into a magnificent young man- funny-delightful and insightful....He is quirkie and distracted easily and he is a very normal teen- sassy- stubborn and he thinks about girls all day long.... It is easy for me to say that my greatest JOY is my son- he is my life and I am proud to be his dad- Being his father defines me in this lifetime....I have made great mistakes along the way and I have fallen down many many times...and it is my son's love that lifts me up to be a better person- a better man....How lucky I am to have my MATTHEW- truly a gift from GOD. David Christian Hamblin A F.A.G American Father www.fabulousandgay.com Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 8:27 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook F.A.G Late Night ALERT! Chelsea Handler is FAGGIN' Fab! My night life just got better and a little more fabulous if you can believe that! I discovered Chelsea Handler at 11:30pm on E.....Chelsea Lately is dynamic, funny, and a bit naughty- The 32 year old dynamo funny lady Chelsea Handler hosts funny folks and "STAR" guests. It's short-sorry Chuy- fun and just fabulous viewing during my late night snack time..... After watching this 1/2 hr show I feel like I should be spanked for loving it so much....if only Chelsea's assistant CHUY could do the spanking- what a fine piece of meat he is....wow- a truly fabulous and gay kinda guy! Love you guys! David Christian Hamblin A F.A.G American www.fabulousandgay.com Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 7:55 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Tuesday, February 12, 2008 F.A.G FOOD- Hamblin Garlic Salad Dressing! Cooking in the Kitchen with a Gay GUY RECIPE (TM) Hamblin Garlic Salad Dressing- a yumyum Faggy foo-foo dressing..... First off- make sure you have loud club music playing on the BOSE system before you get started..... Dressing 1 cup of sour cream 1 cup of parm cheese 8 gloves of garlic minced 1/4 Olive oil 1 teaspoon of onion powder 1 juiced lemon Salad One head of Romaine chopped one med red onion chopped croutons Throw all dressing ingredients in a bowl mix well. Chill covered In a large bowl mix greens with chilled dressing Throw red onion and croutons on top and serve it up with a faggy smile.... Turn the music to Grammy Fav Amy Winehouse get all naked....and serve it up-that is the salad- to your favorite BF..... David Christian Hamblin A F.A.G FOODIE www.fabulousandgay.com Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 11:41 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook F.A.G QUOTE MOMENT! I'm a supporter of gay rights. And not a closet supporter either. From the time I was a kid, I have never been able to understand attacks upon the gay community. There are so many qualities that make up a human being... by the time I get through with all the things that I really admire about people, what they do with their private parts is probably so low on the list that it is irrelevant. ~Paul Newman- Actor/Activist Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 11:02 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Monday, February 11, 2008 F.A.G NEWS ALERT! AL GORE Supports GAY Marriage! "I think it's wrong for the government to discriminate against people because of that person's sexual orientation. I think that gay men and women ought to have the same rights as heteroseuxal men and women... to join together in marriage" "I don't understand why it is considered by some people to be a threat to heterosexual marriage to allow it by gays and lesbians? Shouldn't we be promoting the kind of faithfulness and loyalty to one's partner regardless of sexual orientation?" Why isn't AL GORE running our country!???? David Christian Hamblin A F.A.G American www.fabulousandgay.com Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 10:59 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook F.A.G News Alert- The Fabulous CHER in VEGAS! The fabulous 61-year-old singer/award-winning actress- CHER opens at Caesars Palace in Vegas! For three years she'll be performing- Vegas has never looked so good!... Ok F.A.G people get your fabulous and gay hinnies to the strip- Bette Midler- Cher and ME are waiting for ya! David Christian Hamblin A F.A.G American www.fabulousandgay.com Award-winning Shave Cream! Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 10:13 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook F.A.G Meditative Monday Morning Moment If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. ~Mother Teresa Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 7:44 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook F.A.G BEST GRAMMY MOMENT! FERGIE!!! Astounding voice- a fabulous moment for the 2008 50th year Grammy Award Show! FERGIE!! Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 7:39 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Sunday, February 10, 2008 F.A.G Meditative Moment for a Fabulous and Gay SUNDAY! We all have within us a deep sense of what we need, and what is right and true for us. To access this we need to pay attention to our feelings and our intuition. We need to learn to listen deeply to ourselves and to trust what we hear. And we need to risk acting on what we feel to be true. Even if we make mistakes, we must do this in order to learn and grow. ~Shakti Gawain David Christian Hamblin A F.A.G American www.fabulousandgay.com Award-Winning Shave Cream! Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 8:21 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Friday, February 8, 2008 F.A.G Alert!! The Fabulous and Gay Thomas Warfield Presents!! A Fabulous Evening!! In celebration of its 24th year of performing, the RIT/NTID Dance Company presents RIT/NTID DANCE COMPANY A Ten Year Retrospective of some of the favorite dance works created, choreographed and directed by Thomas Warfield for this unique ensemble of deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing student dancers. Thur-Sat, Feb. 14-16 @ 7:30pm, & Sun, Feb. 17 @ 2pm. Robert F. Panara Theatre at NTID on RIT campus Tickets: $5 / students & seniors, $7 all others - available at the NTID Box Office, open M, W &F, 10-4, and one hour before curtain on show days. Call 585-475-6254 (voice or tty) for more information, or send email to ntidtix@rit.edu for reservations. David Christian Hamblin A F.A.G American www.fabulousandgay.com Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 5:47 PM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook F.A.G MEDIA ALERT! OUT MAG is FAB this month! Pick up the new OUT Magazine- Gossip Girl's GUYs are on the cover!! Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 11:29 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook F.A.G BOOK CLUB NEWS! March 8th!!!JOIN us in Rochester NY for 10 Saturday morning gatherings for a book club- Think and Grow Rich! Life Coach JOAN POST presents this meeting of master-minds!! email: spiritoflifeworkshop@yahoo.com for more information! FAILURE SEEMS TO BE NATURES’S PLAN FOR PREPARING US FOR GREAT RESPONSIBILITIES. If everything we attempted in life were achieved with a minimum of effort and came out exactly as planned, how little we would learn-and how boring life would be! And how arrogant we would become if we succeeded at everything we attempted. Failure allows us to develop the essential quality of humility. It is not easy-when you are the person experiencing failure-to accept it philosophically, serene in the knowledge that this is one of life’s great learning experiences. But it is. Nature’s ways are not always easily understood, but they are repetitive and therefore predictable. You can be absolutely certain that when you feel you are being most unfairly tested, you are being prepared for great achievement. Come join us FAG people!! David Christian Hamblin A F.A.G American www.fabulousandgay.com Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 10:59 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook F.A.G BOOK ALERT! Creating Money!! Orin and DaBen are holding a focus of abundance for you, that you may create prosperity, live your life purpose, and discover more about the spiritual laws of manifesting so you can create the life you want. You can be abundant no matter what is happening in the outer world, for you are the source of your abundance, not your parents, spouse, job, the economy, or your investments. We offer you a number of ways to increase your prosperity and become a master of manifesting. Orin and DaBen's Newly Updated Creating Money: Attracting Abundance Book An International Bestseller - Over 500,000 Sold! In this book you will discover how to: • Follow the spiritual laws of money • Develop unlimited thinking • Create clarity, joy, and light with money • Listen to your inner guidance • Use advanced manifesting techniques • Trust your inner self and create miracles Release lack and limitation • Find work you love • Transform your beliefs, allow success • Work with your soul, higher will, energy, and thought to become magnetic to abundance. LuminEssence Productions, P. O. Box 1310, Medford, Oregon 97501 www.orindaben.com Phone 541-770-6700, Fax 541-770-6632 Another FABULOUS tool for creating abundance!- Come on FAG people let's live our dreams!...... David Christian Hamblin A F.A.G American www.fabulousandgay.com Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 9:17 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook F.A.G News Alert! Gayava Hosts Conference with GAY JEWS! This weekend, 130 students from across North America will converge on the Jewish Theological Seminary in NYC to discuss topics ranging from “Gender Neutral Organizing on Campus” to “Leviticus 18:22—Who is Laying with Whom?” A year after JTS’s groundbreaking decision to accept openly gay rabbinical students—a first in the conservative movement of Judaism—made the school an icon in the LGBT world, JTS will co-host with Barnard the National Union of Jewish LGBTQQI Students conference. Spearheaded by Gayava, an organization of LGBT Jews at Columbia, the conference will run from Friday to Sunday. The participants, who are students from across North America, will be housed by Columbia student volunteers. A highlight will be Shabbat services at Congregation Beth Simchat Torah, the nation’s largest LGBT synagogue. According to Aaron Krieger, CC ’10, Hillel vice president, and conference steering committee co-chair, the conference may include: “a lot of people for whom Judaism is something they experienced when they were younger and are now only connected to socially and culturally. I think for people who allow themselves to be spiritually touched, it can be a moving experience.” The weekend also presents a unique social opportunity. “There aren’t that many gay Jews in the world, and it’s nice to have an opportunity to sit around and meet some of them,” Krieger said. Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 8:32 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook F.A.G Moviefest ALERT! The Fabulous and Gay city of St Louis Launches Qfest! QFest, a new Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Queer themed film festival, launches in St. Louis March 12-16, 2008. QFest is a cooperative project founded by members of Metropolis St. Louis' Out & Urban committee, Cinema St. Louis , and The Lesbian Gay Bi Transgender Community Center of Metropolitan St.Louis. The primary mission of this new film festival is to utilize the art of contemporary gay cinema to spotlight the diversity and inherent complexities of living an alternative lifestyle in today's society. This inaugural five-day event will feature a variety of short subjects and narrative feature films, plus a powerfully moving documentary on gay marriage. For more information; www.stlqfest.org. Rock on mid-western faggy movie peeps! Have FUN! David Christian Hamblin A F.A.G American www.fabulousandgay.com Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 8:17 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook F.A.G FRIDAY Meditative Moment! Perhaps the clearest and deepest meaning of brotherhood is the ability to imagine yourself in the other person's position, and then treat that person as if you were him or her. This form of brotherhood takes a lot of imagination, a great deal of sympathy, and a tremendous amount of understanding. ~Obert C. Tanner Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 8:04 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook F.A.G NEWS! GAY Queen RO joins the fabulous Madonna for Malawi Fundraiser! The oh so fabulous superstar Madonna hosted a gala benefit, A Night to Benefit Raising Malawi and UNICEF, at United Nations headquarters this past Wednesday evening. The Queen of Pop arrived with her 11-year-old daughter Lourdes Leon. The event was co-hosted by Gucci as it will celebrate the opening of Gucci’s New York 5th Avenue Flagship store. The fabulous and gay Rosie O'Donnell looked smashing.....her pink shoes made all the gossip blogs this week- I thought they were the perfect touch! The evening was over the top fun with major stars from music and the movies! I had a blast! David Christian Hamblin A F.A.G American www.fabulousandgay.com Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 7:56 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Thursday, February 7, 2008 F.A.G Celebrates the Tibetian New YEAR! Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 1:56 PM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook F.A.G TV! Fabulous David McLuckie Debuts on TV!! This Sunday on the Biography Channel at 9:00 ET- as well as in Canada and the UK! How Dark the Woods Sunday, February 10 9:00pm ET Monday, February 11 1:00am ET A lazy day at the lake in upstate New York turns to panic when a five year-old boy disappears into the woods. With help from police and over two hundred volunteers, Tommy's family combs the surrounding wilderness. But as night falls and a summer storm intensifies, they are forced to give up the search. Phil Jordan, a local psychic, is convinced Tommy is still alive. And so along with two volunteers, a crudely drawn map, and the boy's sneaker, he sets out to find him. Has the psychic "seen" something the others have missed? Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 1:30 PM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook F.A.G Meditative Moment! You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals. To that end each of us must work for his or her own improvement, and at the same time share a general responsibility for all humanity, our particular duty being to aid those to whom we think we can be most useful. ~Marie Curie Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 8:01 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Wednesday, February 6, 2008 F.A.G HGTV.com NEWS FLASH! You only have till FEB 19th to register to win this FABULOUS and GAY home! Go to HGTV.com!! I hope to call this place home!....what a fabulous and gay castle for the fabulous and gay moi!!...... Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 2:11 PM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook F.A.G Cultural Vision for Labeling! My son is on the autistic spectrum- he has Asbergers, along with a few other issues. Recently at a meeting with an educational director she was aghast that up to this point I did not sit down and tell my son that he has this "disability." I see "disability" as a limiting tag line or label- Self-labeling can sometimes lead to bigger issues down the road, as I know very well. I want my son to think of himself in the most positive light- why would I label him- how does that help him.....I encourage him- when he is frustrated with how his mind works- I always respond with a positive- "It's ok- everyone works through issues in the best way that they are able- your brain works in its own way and it is a truly fabo brain...." I have lived with many labels myself and sometimes I can see how I use them as an excuse for my behavior- not a good thing in the long run- I need to be accountable for every action or non-action. I really love this article from the DailyOM concerning Labels- check it out- DailyOM article- Turn It Around Laboring Under A Label We live in a culture that uses labels as a means of understanding the world and the people living in it. As a result, many of us find ourselves laboring under a label that has a negative connotation. Unless we can find a way to see the good in such a label, we may feel burdened by an idea of ourselves that is not accurate. It is important to remember that almost nothing in this world is all good or all bad, and most everything is a complex mixture of gifts and challenges. In addition, different cultures revere certain qualities over others, but this does not mean that these qualities are inherently good or bad. For example, a culture that elevates outgoing behavior will label an introvert in a negative way, calling them antisocial. In truth, the ability to spend time alone is one that most great artists, mystics, and visionaries share. Owning the positive side of this label can lead us deeper into our gifted visions and fertile imaginations. When we look into the lives of any of the great people in history, we always find that they had quirks and eccentricities that earned them less than ideal labels from the societies in which they lived. Many famous artists and musicians were considered to be isolated loners or disruptive troublemakers, or sometimes both, yet these people altered history and contributed to the world an original vision or advances in our understanding of the universe. If we can remember this as we examine our own selves and the labels people use to describe us, we find that there is a bright side to any characterization. If you have been labeled, remember that all you have to do to see the positive side is to turn the label around. For example, you may be considered to be overly emotional, and the fact that you are perceived this way may make you feel out of control. But notice, too, the gifts of being able to feel and express your emotions, even in a world that doesn’t always encourage that. You might begin to see yourself as brave and open-hearted enough to stay alive to your feelings. You may also see that there are certain paths and professions in which this is a necessary ability. As you turn your label around, the light of your true nature shines to guide you on your way. David Christian Hamblin A bi-polar-diabetic-single gay father-a bankrupt-middle-aged-sometimes FABULOUS Queer- Funny-lovable asswhole-who is a successful AMERICAN F.A.G!! www.fabulousandgay.com Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 11:38 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook F.A.G Raw Food Diet! As I ponder my weight issue once again- I am seeking the right combo diet for my life- 10 pounds off before swim season....well OK- maybe 20- as I was searching for a veggie diet plan I came across a BLOG- rawmodel- now I loved the title and checked it out- some interesting tidbits of information..... In 96 I was eating raw foods at a spa in West Palm Beach- My friends- author Maria Ciaccia and retail expert John Alaniz joined me and we ate raw veggies, drank garlic and cucumber juice and wheat grass- we were impressed by the fact that Mrs. Martin Luther King Jr. spent a month there every year....good enough for her- good enough for us..... Everyone lost weight but me! I think I was the only person in the history of this spa to gain weight- imagine 3 weeks and I left heavier then when I got there- although I am sold on raw foods for LIVE energy in our system- Not sure if it is a good route to go down for weight loss....HMM while I ponder my next step to healthy eating check Anthony's Blog..... A Young Man in his Mid-20's runway and print supermodel Anthony is living a very green life, and completely focused on continual self-improvement and learning. Currently learning about Permaculture and living in the post-cheap oil era, and he is looking to help others become more energy independent. http://www.rawmodelcom.blogspot.com/ Rock on Raw FAG Foodies!! David Christian Hamblin A F.A.G American www.fabulousandgay.com Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 10:18 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook F.A.G NEWS ALERT! Spiritual GURU DIES The fabulous Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, age 91- passed away yesterday in a peaceful state. I was introduced to TM through best-selling author Deepak Chopra. I studied for a short time with folks in New Mexico and promoted TM healing centers in Mass. and Iowa.....The Maharishi's world peace movement will live on.... As his spirit enters the ethers may we breathe his legacy..... David Christian Hamblin A F.A.G American www.fabulousandgay.com Posted by David Christian Hamblin at 8:10 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Tuesday, February 5, 2008 F.A.G Theatre with the Fabulous Michael Lynch! It was the summer of 1983 and Diana Ross was in Central Park giving a concert in a thunder storm- I was performing at the Shandol Theatre in Chelsea in a gay-themed show called Something More produced by The Glines (producing partners of Torch Song Trilogy)....I had just finished a gig with The Amercian Ballet Company at the MET and I was ready for something new and provacative- Something More was a performance piece that touched on various gay topics- from coming out issues to the new "gay disease" AIDS. I performed the show with three other guys-(Michael Lynch, Tom Loftis and Jimmy Vallin) 7 to 8 shows a week for $75 a week. It was during this run that managers from the LINDHARDT Group saw me and signed me to their agency- they were a small management agency that represented Tom Cruise and Mia Sara....as well as the Village People- I was in good company. Stints in daytime drama and small movie roles came up for me while I was performing in Something More- and for six months I balanced auditions- working for vet Dr Kram as an assistant helping put cats to sleep- and doing several shows a week... All of us in Something More went on to other theatrical productions- I drifted from the fashion world (Bill Ditfort Designs)to publishing- Jimmy passed away and Tom married his love Mandy and moved to Westchester to raise their son. In the years since our show closed Michael remained in NYC and kept performing- and currently his newest show is at LaMama- and if you are in NY- Go see it!....He is a fabulous and soooo gay person and you will adore him from the moment he arrives on stage to his last exit- truly a divine theatre creature!.....Check him out The Jack of Tarts! http://fagproducts.blogspot.com/2008_02_01_archive.html